This paper details exactly what AI is, the opportunities of using AI in security and cyber defenses, as well as the impact of AI on information security.

Researchers noted that the AI tools and systems used in cyber defenses are also available to malicious actors that can be used to create new threats.

What’s new?

A new paper titled ‘Demystifying Artificial Intelligence in Information Security’ released by the Information Security Forum simplifies what artificial intelligence (AI) is, what are the information risks posed by AI, and how to mitigate them.

More details about the paper

This paper details exactly what AI is, the opportunities of using AI in security and cyber defenses, as well as the impact of AI on information security.

Researchers said in the paper that AI systems used in an organization and the information that supports them have inherent vulnerabilities and are at risk from both accidental and adversarial threats.

They highlighted that vulnerable AI systems lead to poor decisions and unexpected outcomes.

Such vulnerable AI systems are prone to AI-enabled attacks resulting in compromise of information.

Researchers also noted that the AI tools and systems used in cyber defenses are also available to malicious actors that can be used to create new threats.

“An arms race is developing. AI tools and techniques that can be used in defense are also available to malicious actors including criminals, hacktivists, and state-sponsored groups,” Steve Durbin, Managing Director at ISF said.

“Sooner rather than later these adversaries will find ways to use AI to create completely new threats such as intelligent malware—and at that point, defensive AI will not just be a 'nice to have.' It will be a necessity,” Durbin added.

The bottom line

Even though AI is prone to risks, if managed properly, the benefits of AI will always outweigh the risks, ISF noted.